Growing up, I spent countless summers playing golf in 95-degree heat, where traditional slacks were not an option. If you are playing in less-than-ideal clothing, you can be pretty uncomfortable. It can even cost you some strokes. And with all the options, figuring out what to wear can be overwhelming. But fear not, as we’ve done the research for you.
These are the best golf shorts to keep you cool and comfortable during the summer.
At a glance: Best Shorts For Golf
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Quick Overview: Best Shorts For Golf
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
OUR RATING: 4.8/5 | Under Armour Showdown Golf Shorts |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
| OUR RATING: 4.8/5 | Puma Jackpot Shorts |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
OUR RATING: 4.7/5  | Adidas Ultimate 365 Shorts |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
| OUR RATING: 4.5/5 | Izod Swingflex Stretch Shorts |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
| OUR RATING: 4.4/5 | Royal & Awesome Patterned Golf Shorts |
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
10 Best Golf Shorts in 2023
1. Under Armour Showdown Golf Shorts
Specs
- Material: 58% nylon, 36% polyester, 6% elastane
- Sizes: 28-46
- Colors: 14
Pros
- Stretchy fabric
- Stretch waistband
- Sweat-wicking material
- Lots of colors to choose from
Cons
- Durability
- A little expensive
Stretchy Woven Fabric
By using a stretchy fabric, the designers at Under Armour were able to optimize the mobility of these shorts. The design ensures freedom of movement when rotating your hips and walking.
The one downside of this design is that the material is not the most durable, resulting in tears in the crotch area over time. We feel, however, that this trade-off is worthwhile for these stretchy golf shorts.
Sweat-Wicking Material
Under Armour is one of the best golf short brands, and has crafted the Showdown shorts by applying sweat-wicking material to remove sweat and keep your pants dry in blistering heat. The material also induces maximum airflow to allow the breeze to cool down your skin.
Stretch Waistband
As if the sweat-wicking material and stretchy woven fabric didn’t offer enough comfort, Under Armour also fitted a stretch waistband. It helps to enhance your mobility while rotating your hips, ensuring comfort throughout your round.
Colors
Although the Showdowns don’t offer the variety of colors that the Ultimate 365 shorts do, they still have more than ten options. Color availability depends on the size of the item that you are ordering. Personally, we really like the men’s white golf shorts.
Value
While the Under Armour Showdowns fetch more than the Adidas Ultimate 365s per unit, I found that despite the higher price, these shorts had a shorter lifespan than the Adidas design. As a result, there are better value-for-money golf shorts on the market.
Verdict
You cannot fault Under Armour for the comfort and stretchability of these pants. If that is what you are after, I would suggest taking a closer look at the Showdowns, as they are the best slim-fit golf shorts that we could find. However, the higher price and the stitching weaknesses are factors to be wary of for this golf clothing.
2. Puma Jackpot Shorts
Specs
- Material: 100% polyester
- Sizes: 28-42
- Colors: 31
Pros
- Drycell technology
- PWRSTRETCH waistband
- Performance fit
- Silicone gripper tape
- Large color offering
Cons
- Shallow pockets
Drycell Technology
Like its competitors, the Puma Jackpot golf shorts feature technology that helps to wick away moisture from your skin to keep you dry. However, instead of using the name “moisture-wicking,” Puma named theirs “Drycell Technology.”
Drycell Technology expels sweat from your body to keep you dry on warm days on the course.
Stretch Waistband
Puma’s design department included a PWRSTRETCH waistband to keep your shorts in place and enhance freedom of movement during your swing. The better the freedom of movement, the less restricted you feel and the more comfortable you will be.
Performance Fit
As a company at the forefront of athletic apparel, you would expect them to deliver shorts that enhance your experience on the course. Their performance-fit design increases your freedom of movement around the thighs during your swing and while walking.
Silicone Gripper Tape
Silicone gripper tape is an excellent addition to the Puma Jackpot shorts. The tape grips onto your shirt to keep it tucked into your pants, eliminating distractions from your line of sight on your backswing.
Colors
If you ever felt that companies don’t offer sufficient color combinations, you may appreciate Puma’s Jackpot shorts. You can purchase a pair of these golf shorts in one of thirty-one colors.
Value For Money
The Jackpot golf shorts are priced at the higher end of the market, which may put some of us off them. However, it often comes at a price when you want premium quality. And these pair of golf shorts are a great example.
Puma proudly proclaims the Jackpot shorts as their best pair of half-pants yet. The apparel giant crafted these shorts with specific fabric designed to expel sweat and moisture from your body to provide a cool, comfortable feel. Plus, you have the option of thirty-one colors.
Verdict
The Puma Jackpots are top-rated golf shorts and provide a mix of comfort, style, and Drycell Technology.
Based on the higher price tag of these shorts, I would opt for other better value-for-money options on this list. However, a pair of these is worth considering if you demand quality and a name brand.
You can pick these shorts up from GlobalGolf as well as Amazon.
3. Adidas Ultimate 365 Shorts
Specs
- Material: 88% polyester, 12% elastane
- Sizes: 28-48
- Colors: 38
Pros
- Shirt gripper tape
- Stretchy fabric
- Breathable
- Water resistance
- Large color offering
Cons
- None
Shirt Gripper Tape
One challenge I always have is keeping my shirt tucked in, making me look as scruffy as the late Simon Hobday. I am impressed with the shirt gripper tape feature on the Ultimate 365 shorts. The printed silicone tape holds your shirt in place to eliminate any distractions during your backswing.
Increased Stretch
As embarrassing as it may be. I have ripped multiple golf shorts due to poor stitching and excessive hip rotation. Using 12% spandex material, Adidas has designed the shorts to deliver additional stretch. This enhances the durability of the shorts and optimizes comfort while walking or swinging.
Water Resistance
Following the optimal stretch of these shorts is their water-resistant capability. That means that it repels light quantities of water away from the inside of the shorts.
If you are caught in a rainstorm, your shorts will get soaked. However, they handle light rainfall well.
Advanced Breathability
When you play in intense heat, sweating causes extreme discomfort and drenches your clothes. To address this, Adidas also employed wicking fabric and micromesh pockets for maximum comfort.
The fabric design wicks away sweat from your body, while micromesh pockets encourage airflow for enhanced breathability. As a result, you stay dry and remain fresh.
Colors
If you come across a design of shorts that you enjoy, you may want to stock up on a few pairs. With Adidas Ultimate 365 shorts, you have over thirty colors to choose from, meaning that you can rock the pants that you love in multiple styles.
Value For Money
A pair of Ultimate 365s fit into the mid-price category and are not overly expensive. While there are more affordable options out there, their quality and performance offer excellent value for money.
The Adidas Ultimate 365 shorts top our list as the best shorts for golf overall, thanks to their comfort, style, and vast color options. A water-resistant construction delivers optimal stretch and breathability while the shirt gripper feature keeps your shirt in place.
Verdict
The Adidas Ultimate 365 pants are comfortable shorts that keep your shirt in place, provide exceptional stretch, and have suitable water resistance. As a mid-priced product with various color choices, these are well worth trying on for summer. In our opinion, they are the best golf shorts for men right now.
If you’d rather purchase from a golf specialist than Amazon, you can buy these shorts through GlobalGolf.
4. Izod SwingFlex Stretch Shorts
Specs
- Material: 100% polyester
- Sizes: 29-44
- Colors: 5
Pros
- SwingFlex Technology
- Cooling technology
- UPF-15 sun protection
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- Limited color options
SwingFlex Technology
Izod’s SwingFlex Technology allows the fabric to stretch in all directions, increasing the durability and comfort of the pants whether you are walking, swinging a golf club, or bending down to read the line of a putt.
Cooling Technology
When you wear shorts on a golf course, the chances are that the temperature is soaring. That is where Izod’s cooling technology steps in and lowers the temperature around your thighs and crotch. As a result, it helps to provide optimal comfort.
Sun Control
Added to Swingflex’s Cooling Technology are its UV protection qualities. Izod employed UPF-15 UV technology that shields your skin from harsh rays and reduces the risk of sunburn.
Moisture-Wicking
The moisture-wicking properties of the Izod Swingflex shorts push sweat away from your body to keep you cool and dry throughout your round. The design optimizes your comfort and helps you better enjoy your golf games.
Colors
Based on the other pants on this list, the SwingFlex pants offer limited color options. Five, to be exact. The colors on offer are your standard khaki, caviar, midnight, nickel, and stone dust.
Value For Money
If you consider the features of these golf shorts, it is surprising to see that they are priced as an entry-level product. As a result, it is fair to state that the SwingFlex Stretch shorts are excellent value for money. They are certainly in talks for the best cheap golf shorts on the market right now.
Louis Oosthuizen is not just an exceptional golfer. He also knows a thing or two about playing golf in warm conditions. So, when he dons a pair of these shorts for a casual round, you know they are high quality.
Verdict
After looking into the finer details of the Izod Swingflex Stretch shorts, we see that they are well made, perform exceptionally, and are highly affordable. As a result, I would recommend these to all golfers, as it caters to all budgets.
5. Royal & Awesome Patterned Golf Shorts
Specs
- Material: 97% cotton, 3% spandex
- Sizes: 30-46
- Colors: 28
Pros
- Soft and breathable
- Stretchy
- Tee loops
- Lots of quirky designs to choose from
Cons
- Designs not to everyone’s taste
Cotton Material
It is not often that you find cotton products these days in a sector dominated by polyester. Instead of applying moisture-wicking technology to keep you dry, Royal & Awesome rely on cotton’s soft, breathable qualities.
The downside of cotton is that it wrinkles easily. If you plan to wear these shorts for your next round, make sure you leave enough time to run the iron over them. It is also necessary to point out that your shorts may shrink around the waist and leg.
Spandex
Although cotton is the star material in these shorts, Royal & Awesome added 3% of spandex to increase flexion when you rotate your hips.
Tee Loops
The tee loops outside the side pocket seem quirky at first, but it solves a legitimate challenge.
Whenever you store tees in your pockets, the sharp point drives into the material and eventually causes it to rip. As a result, you have holes in your pockets and can’t store anything in them. With tee loops, you keep them secure, and everything remains intact.
Colors
Royal & Awesome not only offer different color choices, but each option also features a different pattern. From pink half-pants with little aliens to board shorts more suitable for South Beach, Miami, there is a design for all tastes.
Value For Money
The Patterned golf shorts do run you more than some of the items featured on this list. However, since they use cotton and sport out-of-the-box designs, these are good value-for-money golf shorts.
A list of the best shorts for golf would not be complete if it didn’t feature an outrageous design, and that is where Royal & Awesome’s Patterned golf shorts come in. If you have the style of Ian Poulter, these half-pants may be right up your alley, and we think they make the perfect gift for a golfer who already has everything.
Verdict
Traditionalists will likely not approve of anyone who dons a pair of these pants. But who cares what others think? If you enjoy setting fashion trends, love cotton, and appreciate the tee-loop feature, these pants are worth trying on. Just prepare yourself to pay more than you would for your average pair of shorts.
Read More: What to Wear to Golf Tournaments
6. Amazon Essentials Men’s Classic-Fit Stretch Golf Shorts
Specs
- Material: 98% polyester, 2% spandex
- Sizes: 29-60
- Colors: 10
Pros
- Spacious around hip and thigh
- Wide size availability
- Moisture-wicking
- Good range of colors
- Great value for money
Cons
- No elasticated waistband
Ease of Movement
The Amazon Essentials golf pants are very spacious around the hip and thigh area which gives you complete freedom of movement throughout your golf swing. They sport a straight-leg design with a bit of stretch.
Many Sizes
From size twenty-nine all the way up to size sixty you’re spoilt for choice. This is easily the widest size availability of any of the shorts on this list.
Moisture-wicking
With moisture-wicking tech, the shorts siphon sweat away from your skin to the exterior of the pants where it is evaporated, helping keep you cool.
Colors
While there aren’t as many colors as some of the other shorts, with ten colors on offer there should well be a color that meets your fancy.
Value For Money
As the cheapest golf pants on this list, they provide incredibly high value for money as their performance matches that of the other models we have looked at.
Verdict
With such a high value for money and wide size variety, it’s hard to find a reason not to give these shorts a try. They’re comfortable, allow for a great range of motion, and the moisture-wicking tech will help to keep you cool.
Just know that these shorts don’t come with an elasticated waistband so you’ll likely need to use a belt. The shorts feature 4 belt loops on the front to keep it secure.
7. PGA TOUR Men’s Flat Front Golf Shorts
Specs
- Material: 98% polyester, 2% spandex
- Sizes: 30-54 big tall
- Colors: 6
Pros
- Moisture-wicking
- Great fit
- Sun protection
- Wide size availability
Cons
- Limited selection of colors
Moisture-Wicking
The shorts wick away sweat from your body to help keep you cool and dry. Perfect for those sunny days out on the golf course.
Active Waistband
While you can always wear a belt for a perfect fit, the active waistband already does this for you with added benefits. It stretches to the contours of your body to keep your shorts well-suspended, yet it has enough give that you won’t feel obstructed during certain movements like you would feel if you were wearing a belt.
Sun Protection
Not only do these shorts keep you cool but they also feature built-in UV protection. This means there is no need to apply sunscreen on covered areas.
Colors
The PGA TOUR men’s shorts come in six different colors: black iris, caviar, chinchilla, quiet shade, silver lining, and bright white.
Value For Money
As the third cheapest pair of shorts that we have looked at, they provide a lot of bang for your buck. You can pick up two pairs for the price of the Under Armour Showdown golf shorts.
Verdict
Cheap, well-fitted, and made by a top golf shorts brand, the PGA TOUR men’s golf shorts are a serious contender for your hard-earned dollars. They also tackle the hot weather better than most, so we recommend considering them if you often find yourself overheating while playing golf.
8. Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-Fit Stretch Golf Shorts
Specs
- Material: 98% polyester, 2% spandex
- Sizes: 29-42
- Colors: 6
Pros
- Appealing fit
- Moisture-wicking
- Great value for money
Cons
- Fewer colors and sizes than the Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit shorts
Slim-Fit
Although Amazon Essentials advertise the pants as slim fit, this is not wholly accurate. While it is true that the shorts are fitted around the thigh and hip and tapered at the leg, there is still plenty of room around the leg area. Therefore, don’t expect a true slim fit.
Moisture-Wicking
The shorts’ material draws away sweat from your skin to the surface, where it can be evaporated more easily in the open air. This gives you a dry fit and makes playing golf much more enjoyable.
Colors
Like the PGA TOUR shorts, you have six colors to choose from. While this is not many, they should cover most preferences with the likes of black, grey, and khaki brown among them.
Value For Money
The Amazon Essentials Slim-Fit shorts cost the same as the Classic-Fit shorts by Amazon Essentials. This makes them tied as the cheapest golf shorts on this list.
Verdict
There’s no doubt that these shorts are a great pick for golf, and many of you may be torn between this pair and the Classic-Fit pair. In our opinion, these shorts are more flattering on the body yet not restrictive. Therefore we think they are some of the best slim-fit golf shorts available right now, so if that is what you are after consider picking these up.
If, instead, you want a looser fit, a rarer color, or you’re a larger size, the Classic-Fit is a better option.
9. Haggar Men’s Cool 18 Pleat Shorts
Specs
- Material: 100% polyester
- Sizes: 32-60
- Colors: 13
Pros
- Different style to other shorts
- Moisture-wicking
- Expandable waistband
- Anti-wrinkle
Cons
- None
Cool 18 Technology
The Hagar shorts make use of Cool 18 Technology. Not only is this moisture-wicking which helps to keep you cool, but it is also anti-static and anti-wrinkle. So you might get away without doing any ironing, provided you hang them up straight out of the wash!
Expandable Waistband
There is no need for a belt as the expandable waistband suspends these shorts at your waist. This waistband features 3″ of stretch, which is more than enough to cover any and all movements you will undertake while playing golf.
Colors
With thirteen colors on offer, these shorts have around average color variety compared to the other shorts on this list. I noticed that all the colors seem to adhere to the same palette of black, brown, blue, and white shades. Therefore, if you are after the likes of yellows and reds, you’ll, unfortunately, be out of luck.
Value For Money
The Haggar men’s shorts are on the cheaper side of things and represent great value. We feel that a lot of people would expect them to cost more.
Verdict
As the number 1 best seller in men’s pleated shorts on Amazon, these shorts get our seal of approval. We think they would make a great addition to your golf wardrobe as they offer a slightly different style to regular golf shorts, given their pleated design.
10. PULI Men’s Golf Shorts
Specs
- Material: 96% polyester, 4% spandex
- Sizes: 30-38
- Colors: 8
Pros
- Moisture-wicking
- Free Flex Waistband
- Stretch fabric
- Six pockets
- Sun protection
- Anti-wrinkle
Cons
- Limited size availability
Moisture-Wicking
The shorts are quick-drying and breathable. Sweat from your skin permeates through the shorts to the surface, evaporating in the open air. This is particularly useful during very hot days when it’s tough to keep cool.
Free Flex Waistband
The in-built Free Flex Waistband moves with your body, providing flexibility and comfort. The shorts also have 4-way stretch fabric, so you’ll never feel restrained when swinging your club, which is how it should be.
Sun Protection
The PULI golf shorts for men have UPF 50+ protection so your thighs are well-protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Just don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your lower legs which are on display!
Plenty of Pocket Space
Featuring six pockets, you have plenty of space for all of your accessories. Included among these pockets are a cell phone pocket and two zippered pockets, one on the right buttock and the other on the right leg.
Colors
There are eight colors to choose from which is a decent amount. However, these are mainly beige, blue, and grey type colors. If you’re after something a little more punchy, like red or green, you’ll have to look to another pair of shorts like the Amazon Essential Classic-Fit shorts
Value For Money
Priced the same as the Haggar 18 Pleat shorts, they are considerably cheaper than most of the others we have looked at. As such, they offer better value for money than most, as they have a range of features and look great to wear.
Verdict
The PULI men’s shorts are a great choice for golfing attire and are available in the main colors that most players will be after. The only negative we were able to discover is that the size availability isn’t the best. That being said, 30-38 should cover the vast majority of golfers, so there aren’t any negatives to speak of for most people.
The positives, on the other hand, are widespread, they fit great thanks to the Free Flex Waistband, have plenty of pocket space, and tackle hot weather very well. In fact, we think that they are one of the best golf shorts for hot weather.
Read More: Most Comfortable Golf Shoes
Features to Consider When Buying Golf Shorts
Comfort
At its core, you play golf for enjoyment, and you won’t be getting much enjoyment if you’re wearing uncomfortable golf clothing. Men’s golf shorts should have a nice tailored fit with adequate space to move your body. You may also want to choose a soft material for maximum comfort.
Lightweight & Breathable
Golf is often played in hot conditions for extended periods of time. Therefore it is vital to choose a pair of golf shorts that are breathable and perhaps moisture-wicking to keep you cool and dry. Buying lightweight golf shorts is also a good option. These tend to provide better airflow.
Stretchy
As mentioned earlier, the top golf shorts should have a tailored fit. But they also need to be a little stretchy. You will feel restricted when you swing your club if they are not. You may even tear your shorts at the seams over time or instantly following particularly big swings. A stretchy fit is perhaps even more important when choosing your golf pants.
Color
The best men’s golf shorts come in various colors and designs, so choose a few which you like best. This gives you a wide selection to choose from the next time you visit the course.
Price
As with all things, you’ve got budget choices all the way up to premium options to choose from. Consider how much you are comfortable with spending and what features you value the most. Some will seek golf apparel that gives the best bang for your buck, while others will look for the best men’s golf shorts overall for maximum performance and comfort.
Read more: The Best Sunglasses for Golf
FAQs
How Are Golf Shorts Different?
Golf shorts are purpose-built for golf. As you play the sport outdoors in hot conditions, the best golf shorts are lightweight, breathable, cooling, and of course, comfortable to wear. They are also not too short, as some golf clubs have restrictions regarding the length of shorts.
What Are Golf Shorts Called?
Shorts made for golf are simply called “golf shorts.”
Can You Wear Golf Shorts Casually?
You certainly can wear golf shorts casually. Most golf shorts are great choices for casual wear if conditions are hot and you want to wear something cool. However, we would argue not all golf shorts are a great fit. Quirky designs such as the Royal & Awesome patterned golf shorts are best reserved for the golf course.
Are Golf Shorts Supposed to Be Tight?
Golf shorts usually have a tailored fit as this is optimal for golf. So rather, your shorts should be snug rather than tight as this restricts movement and, therefore, your ability to perform. Tight shorts are also far more prone to ripping, so make sure you purchase the correct size.
Can I Wear Athletic Shorts to Golf?
Generally speaking, athletic shorts are not suitable for golf, as some courses may turn you away due to violating their dress codes. However, if your course is lax, you should be fine wearing athletic shorts. Similarly speaking, cargo shorts are often frowned upon as well. We recommend playing it simple and purchasing a pair of golf shorts if you can.
Final Thoughts
After scouring the kingdom of golf apparel, we have finally completed our top five list for the best golf shorts.
To recap, the Adidas Ultimate 365 shorts came out on top overall. The sophisticated stretch and waterproof material of these affordable half-pants, combined with their breathable qualities, made them the superior option.
However, there are other outstanding performers such as the Under Armour Showdowns, which earned our pick for the best stretch golf shorts.
Next up was the Izod Swingflex Stretch shorts that earned the top spot for the most protective pair. All thanks to their ability to shield you from the sun.
The final two places on our list of the five best shorts for golf in 2023 went to the Puma Jackpots and the Royal & Awesome Patterned shorts. The Jackpots topped their class as the most comfortable golf shorts, and the Royal & Awesome blew the competition away for the most stylish shorts of 2023.
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Nick is the founder of GolfSpan and an avid golfer. He's not quite a pro but has over 15 years of experience playing and coaching golfers worldwide. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience when it comes to choosing the right golf gear and finding the right setup for your game.
